Humanoid Robot Head and Neck Assembly With Protected Curved Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a humanoid robot design that can effectively communicate and interact with humans while withstanding harsh environments, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal, and providing a versatile display system protected from contaminants and physical damage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a head and neck assembly with a frontal shell protecting a display system, featuring a curved display and illumination assembly positioned behind the shell, along with sensor assemblies in the forehead and chin regions, allowing for efficient communication and interaction without exposing the display to harm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display system is exposed for better communication and interaction, then the robot's ability to convey information is improved, but the display becomes vulnerable to contaminants and physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a transparent protective shell (frontal shell) that covers the display system. This shell acts as a barrier against contaminants and physical damage while maintaining transparency to allow the display to be visible and functional for human-robot interaction. The shell integrates sensors including optical sensors positioned to detect human presence and gestures without compromising the protective function.
2Strength
If the frontal shell is made thicker for better protection, then the display's durability is improved, but the aesthetic appeal and light transmission may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frontal shell is designed as a composite structure incorporating multiple materials with different properties. The shell includes a transparent protective layer that provides durability while maintaining optical clarity, and integrates optical sensors, illumination assemblies, and display components in a multi-layer configuration that balances protection with aesthetic appearance and light transmission.
3Loss of information
If the display system is made more prominent for better communication, then the information conveyance capability is improved, but the vulnerability to physical damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent frontal shell serves as an intermediary element between the display system and the external environment. It allows the display to remain prominent and visible for effective communication while simultaneously acting as a protective barrier that shields the display from physical damage and contaminants. The shell integrates seamlessly with the head and neck assembly structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the robot's ability to convey information, withstand operational rigors, and extend its lifespan, fostering smoother human-robot collaboration and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination assembly configured to illuminate a region that: (i) extends between a rear edge of the frontal shell and an extent of the frontal edge of the rear shell
Data Source
AI summary
A humanoid robot includes an upper region includes a head and neck assembly having a neck portion and a head portion coupled to the neck portion. Said head portion includes: a frontal shell having a rear edge, a rear shell having a frontal edge, and an illumination assembly. The illumination assembly is configured to illuminate a region that: (i) extends between a rear edge of the frontal shell and an extent of the frontal edge of the rear shell, (ii) is positioned adjacent to the extent of the rear edge of the frontal shell, and (iii) is positioned adjacent to the extent of the frontal edge of the rear shell.